March 29, 2011 — The “Convergent” procedure, pioneered by Andy Kiser, a UNC cardiac surgeon, is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that provides effective treatment of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.
A cardiac surgeon and an electrophysiologist work together to treat the inside and outside of the heart, redirecting electric impulses so that the patient reaches normal heart rhythm. The procedure offers 80 to 90 percent success rates. UNC is the only hospital in the state offering the procedure.
WRAL TV recently broadcast a report about the procedure, which is offered at UNC by Dr. Kiser and Dr. Paul Mounsey. a cardiologist. The TV newscast and accompanying article are available on the WRAL web site.
– Margaret Alford Cloud, UNC Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery